Tag Archives: performing arts

Capturing Riley’s Spark: Headshots for a Dancer & Theater Star

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A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a gentle, confident expression. She is wearing a dark top against a soft, light-colored studio background.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark top and smiling. The portrait features a clean, light studio background with soft lighting.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She is wearing a dark top against a soft-focus, light studio background.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long brown hair, smiling warmly. She is wearing a dark top against a neutral, light-colored studio background with soft lighting.
Riley’s professional headshot session.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Riley for a professional headshot session. Riley is a force to be reckoned with, balancing her demanding studies as both a dance and theater major!

From the moment she stepped in front of the camera, her passion and dedication were undeniable. We focused on capturing a range of expressions that showcased her versatility – from the thoughtful intensity required for dramatic roles to the approachable confidence perfect for dance and musical theater.

It’s always a treat to work with young artists who possess such drive and talent. We created images that truly reflect her personality and professional aspirations, providing her with the perfect tools for auditions and networking in the competitive worlds of dance and theater.

More to Come!

And the best part? This is just the beginning! I’m thrilled to announce that Riley will be returning to the studio soon for two more exciting sessions:

  1. A Dynamic Dance Portrait Session: Get ready for breathtaking leaps, elegant lines, and the powerful artistry she brings to every movement.
  2. A Personalized Senior Portrait Experience: Marking this significant milestone with images that celebrate her individuality and achievements before she embarks on her next chapter.

I can’t wait to share more of Riley’s journey with you all. Stay tuned to see the magic we create together!

This headshot session was just the first act for Riley! I am so excited to welcome her back to the studio very soon for a dynamic dance portrait session where we can truly capture her movement and artistry. Following that, we’ll be teaming up again for her senior portraits to celebrate this incredible milestone in her life. Stay tuned to the blog to see the magic we create in these upcoming sessions!

Creating the Banks Family Portrait for SPAC’s Mary Poppins Jr. — Why Historical Accuracy Matters

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Stewartsville Performing Arts Club SPAC will be performing 'Mary Poppins Jr. Jan 16-17, 2026 at 7 pm and 2 pm

Stewartsville Performing Arts Club (SPAC) is bringing Mary Poppins Jr. to the stage this weekend, with performances on Friday, January 16 at 7 PM and Saturday, January 17 at 2 PM and 7 PM. As part of the production, I had the opportunity to create a special photo prop: the Banks family portrait that appears in the show.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple family photo. But for a story set in the early 1900s, authenticity matters — and that’s where experience in theater photography makes all the difference.

Honoring the Time Period

Family portraits in the early 20th century looked very different from what we’re used to today. Photography was formal, deliberate, and often reserved for special occasions. Smiling was uncommon, not because people were unhappy, but because long exposure times and cultural norms encouraged a more serious expression.

To create a believable prop for Mary Poppins Jr., I needed to match that historical style. That meant:

  • A black‑and‑white aesthetic
  • A formal, structured pose
  • Expressions that reflect the era
  • Lighting that mimics early studio portraiture

These details help the audience feel grounded in the world of the show the moment they see the portrait on stage.

Why Experience Matters in Theater Photography

An inexperienced photographer might simply gather the cast, say “smile,” and snap a quick picture. But theater photography requires intention. Every image — whether a promotional poster, a headshot, or a prop — becomes part of the storytelling.

My background in theater and performance photography allows me to approach these moments with the right blend of research, technical skill, and artistic sensitivity. The goal is always the same: support the production and help the audience step fully into the story.

A Sneak Peek at the Final Portrait

I’ll be including the finished Banks family portrait in this post so you can see how it all came together. It will also be on display above the fireplace during the performances this weekend.

Historical Banks family portrait prop for Stewartsville Performing Arts Club's production of Mary Poppins Jr.

See the Magic Live

SPAC’s Mary Poppins Jr. opens Friday, January 16 at 7 PM, with additional performances on Saturday the 17th at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are available online or at the door.

I’m proud to contribute to this production and excited for audiences to experience the charm, nostalgia, and heart that make Mary Poppins Jr. such a beloved story.